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Advent Wreath with all four candles lit
Evangelization & Catechesis

Advent Resource for Families

PREPARE OUR HEARTS FOR JESUS

The Offices for Liturgy, Youth Ministry and Evangelization and Catechesis are pleased to bring you a weekly Advent resource that can be celebrated with family in your home. Below you will find tips, videos and a simple prayer to be prayed around your wreath each Sunday of Advent.

TIPS FOR CELEBRATING THE ADVENT LITURGIES WITH YOUR FAMILY

  • 1. CARVE OUT TIME

    Together, decide on a time for your weekly Advent prayer in the home. Advent can be a busy and difficult time for many. Try to find a time and day of the week that is predictably calm so that as many members of the family can participate as possible. A weekly family meal can make for a perfect time for prayer.

  • 2. SET THE SCENE

    Create an intentional space for prayer. If you are gathering during meal times, consider using your Advent wreath as a centerpiece on your dinner table. Before Advent begins, gather some simple greens and candles to create your own Advent wreath (an instructional video for this process is available in “additional resources”). Make sure the space you choose for prayer is comfortable and inviting for all children present. Have a match or lighter ready to light the candles on your wreath for each week’s prayer.

  • 3. KEEP THE PRAYER SIMPLE WITH EASY, ACCESSIBLE LANGUAGE

    Using the text provided below, prepare to lead your family through a brief time of prayer and reflection. Remind those present that we light our wreath to remember that Advent is a season of preparation, and we are called to keep our eyes and hearts open for the coming of Christ into the world. Before you begin your celebration, have your children share whom or what they would like to remember in prayer this day.

  • 4. KEEP THE CONVERSATION GOING

    Advent is a beautiful season of preparation, both for our homes and for our hearts. Take time in these busy days to stop and engage in prayerful conversation on the “reason for the season”. At the supper table, in the car on the way to an Advent gathering, or before bed after a hectic day, take time to ask:

    - How can we prepare our hearts as a family to welcome Jesus on Christmas day?
    - It is a wonderful time of the year to give gifts. What gift can you offer to Jesus out of love for Him?
    - Our Advent wreath brings the light of Christ into our home. How can you shine Christ’s light to others?
    - It can be hard to wait patiently for the joy of Christmas. What is one thing we can do together as a family to help us remain focused on Jesus and His coming?

PRAYER FOR ADVENT

As you light your candle(s) for each week of Advent invite all who gather to share in this prayer:

Leader:
God, Send your light into our hearts and fill us with joy,
as we prepare for the birth of your Son.
Transform our lives into images of Jesus
so that your light will shine through us.
Lord, fill the world with your peace, hope and love this Advent.
Amen.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

Contact

Christina Mines

Director of Evangelization & Catechesis

905-528-7988 Ext. 2239
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